John Walter McAlvain was born January 14, 1883 in Sugar Loaf
County, Choctaw Nation to Polk McAlvain and Louisa Matilda Bowers Choate.

On June 13, 1904 he married Effie Mae Brazeal, sister to his
brother’s wife, Mollie Bell Brazeal. The two of them had the following
children: Robbie Marie McAlvain, born June 4, 1905 and dying March 27,
1914; Ona Mae McAlvain (Hill) born January 5, 1909; William Polk McAlvain,
born December 29, 1911 and dying October 1996; Joseph Ralph McAlvain, born
July 27, 1914 and dying in 1995; and Nela Almeta McAlvain, wife of Harold
Givens.

Known for affectionately calling his mixed blood grandchildren
“Cherry-Chocks”, McAlvain was much loved by his immediate family, as well
as cousins, nieces, and nephews.

John Walter passed away on February 20, 1951 in Collinsville,
Oklahoma. His widow survived him until November 25, 1974.